CMF is a critical subfield in product design innovation. As industries advance into deeper stages of product innovation, CMF’s value has become increasingly prominent. At Jiangnan University, product design has long been a core discipline, particularly in fields related to the light industry, where we have accumulated extensive hands-on experience. The university’s emphasis on CMF research and practice aims to ensure that students develop a deep understanding of the relationship between CMF, product innovation, and user experience. Through these projects, students learn to apply research methods and expand their creative vision in product design, both in breadth and depth.

CMF education at Jiangnan University is structured across both undergraduate and graduate levels. At the undergraduate level, students focus on foundational knowledge and hands-on innovation practice. Core courses such as Design Elements introduce basic CMF concepts, while specialized courses like Product Color and Materials, Product Semantics Design, and Traditional Craft Inheritance and Innovation Design integrate CMF-related modules and practical exercises.

At the graduate level, the focus shifts toward fundamental research and interdisciplinary innovation. CMF-related topics are embedded into courses such as Product Design Special Topics, User Experience Design Research, and Interdisciplinary Design Studies. This approach ensures that graduate students develop advanced research skills and a comprehensive understanding of CMF’s role in design innovation.

Jiangnan University is one of the first universities in China to establish a CMF lab. In 2024, with the launch of our new-generation design institute, the School of Digital Technology and Creative Design, we began developing the CMF Digital Innovation Lab to pioneer research and applications in digital CMF innovation. Building on our strong industry collaborations in CMF research, the lab will explore new opportunities and research paradigms in the digital and AI era, ensuring that our students and faculty remain at the forefront of innovation.

As user experience research deepens, industries including automotive and home appliances are increasingly prioritizing multi-sensory design. Future CMF innovation will focus on visual, tactile, and even olfactory experiences, using more scientific and systematic research methodologies. With advancements in material and process technologies, the scope of CMF innovation will expand, offering more diverse and refined solutions.

Additionally, the rise of digitalization and AI will disrupt CMF innovation processes. The transition towards digital CMF workflows and AI-driven project management is inevitable. These advancements will revolutionize the way CMF is designed and managed, making digital transformation an essential trend in the field.

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